The influence of Saudi Arabia’s soft power in boxing has reached New York City, with the announcement of a major fight card set for Times Square on May 2. Turki al-Sheikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, revealed the details of the event on Friday.
The main event will feature Ryan Garcia (24-1-1 NC, 20 KO) facing Rolando Romero (16-2, 13 KO). Garcia returns to the ring after a year-long suspension following a controversial bout with Devin Haney last May, where he won a unanimous decision that was later overturned due to a failed drug test. Now, Garcia aims to restore his reputation and set the stage for a potential rematch with Haney later this year.
In co-feature action, former undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney (31-0, 1 NC, 15 KO) will take on Jose Ramirez (29-2, 18 KO) in a welterweight bout. Haney seeks to establish himself in a new division against Ramirez, a former WBC and WBO champion known for his toughness.
Additionally, Teofimo Lopez (21-1, 13 KO) will defend his WBO junior welterweight title against the undefeated Arnold Barboza Jr. (32-0, 11 KO). Barboza, coming off a split-decision victory over Jack Catterall, aims to dethrone Lopez in a notable setting. A win for Lopez, a native of Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood, could pave the way for a unification bout with IBF champion Richardson Hitchins (19-0, 7 KO).
The event will be available on pay-per-view, with further broadcasting details to be announced. The New York State Athletic Commission, responsible for overseeing boxing in the state, has yet to comment on the event. Their approval carries importance due to Garcia’s suspension and the complexities of staging an event in Times Square.
Al-Sheikh’s recent acquisition of The Ring magazine, a notable American boxing publication, reflects his commitment to influencing the boxing world. His efforts have helped bring prestigious boxing events to Saudi Arabia, including heavyweight matches featuring stars like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
This shift of high-profile boxing to Times Square indicates an ambitious strategy by Al-Sheikh to enhance Saudi Arabia’s status in global sports. By positioning a significant event in one of the world’s entertainment capitals, Saudi Arabia is elevating its role in boxing and redefining the sport’s traditional power dynamics. With a young population eager for modern influences, this strategy aims to present the kingdom as aspirational and globally significant.
Credit: The Guardian
